reducing financial barriers to access through prepayment and subsequent pooling of funds in preference to direct out-of-pocket payments; and

allocating or using funds in a way that promotes efficiency and equity.

Developments in these key health financing areas will determine whether health services exist and are available for everyone and whether people can afford to use health services when they need them.

Guided by the World Health Assembly resolution WHA64.9 from May 2011 and based on the recommendations from the World Health Report 2010 “Health systems financing: The path to universal coverage”, WHO is supporting countries in developing of health financing systems that can bring them closer to universal coverage.

A well-functioning health system working in harmony is built on having trained and motivated health workers, a well-maintained infrastructure, and a reliable supply of medicines and technologies, backed by adequate funding, strong health plans and evidence-based policies.